The Vale Federation believes that in order to facilitate teaching and learning, good attendance is essential. Students cannot achieve their full potential if they do not regularly attend school.

We understand that barriers to attendance are complex, and that some students find it harder than others to attend school; therefore, we will continue to prioritise cultivating a safe and supportive environment at school, as well as strong and trusting relationships with students and parents.

We take a whole-school approach to securing good attendance and recognise the impact that our efforts in other areas – such as the curriculum, behaviour standards, bullying, SEND support, pastoral support, and the effective use of resources such as pupil premium – can have on improving student attendance.

Whenever a student is off school for sickness, appointments or family reasons, we require a short note outlining the reasons for the absence. Failure to supply us with that information results in an unauthorised absence which may be investigated by the Attendance Officer.

When your holidays do not coincide with the school term dates, it is necessary for you to complete a Holiday Request form beforehand to get permission from the Head of School. This can be obtained via the school reception or through the Arbor App.

If you wish to report an absence, please call 01296 427221 for Booker Park, or 01296 423507 for Stocklake Park and select option 1. Alternatively, you can use the in-app messaging system available in the Arbor app.

You can find out more about our pupil attendance and absence policy below: